How to add multiple rods pushing, or ropes pulling into one. Are there mechanism for this?

[adamosm]

Hi, I cant find, don't know what it would be called, or even if it exists.

Basically, i have multiple, say 5, individual ropes that pull with similar force but by different amounts of displacement. I want to combine them into 1 output.
Similarly I have 5 rods that are pushed OR pulled different amounts (movement/displacement), but with equal force. I want the output to represent the same, or close to, force but an addition of the all the movements. Assume they all move the same direction for now.
Does that make any sense?!

thanks,
adam

 

[Compositepro]

When you figure out how to ask the question correctly you will have the answer to your question. Try sketching it out on paper.

 

[BrianE22]

Compliance (springs) will help at the summing point.

 

[3DDave]

This can only happen if the forces are identical. It they are not, then the greatest force will overcome the weaker ones and change the displacement.

If the forces are identical one could use each input to drive a hydraulic cylinder and the fluid displaced would be a summation of the individual displacements.

 

[tbuelna]

Link the multiple inputs to a single output using an arrangement of suitably sized hydraulic cylinders.

 

[chicopee]

Sounds like a vibration problem with five different springs in parallel.

 

[adamosm]

It sounds like the only way to do this is by hydraulics.

Thanks for all the input!

adam